Family Time at Morristown National Historical Park

My kids are addicted to television and gadgets. It’s frustrating but it’s also my fault. My hubby and I are trying our best to break our kids of their bad habits and making an effort to expose them to new things whenever we can.

While visiting the Wyndham Hamilton Park Hotel and Conference Center for a travel opportunity we took advantage of visiting one of the area’s National Historical Parks. Now, I am not much of a history buff but my husband enjoys it and I thought my little brainiac (my oldest) would be interested in some of the sights.

Morristown “is the story of an army struggling to survive. For two critical winters the town sheltered the main encampment of the Continental Army.” The Morristown National Historical Park seven attractions of historical significance. My family and I visited a few during our visit.

FORT NONSENSE – Fort Nonsense was important to Washington because the crest overlooked the town.

The view from Fort Nonsense was beautiful. The boys got a kick out of the cannon. We were able to drive up to Fort Nonsense taking a very scenic path. We also saw lots of people hiking in this area.

WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS (1779-80) – In early December a 1779 Morristown home became the place for Washington to hold his headquarters. Washington moved him and his wife Martha along with his commander-in-chief , generals, servants and aides to the home of Mrs. Jacob Ford. From this home Washington planned his military strategy.

Washington’s Headquarters

We took a small tour of Washington’s headquarters and looked at the ways people lived during this time. My boys got a kick out of the army-men toys pictured in this bedroom shot.

JOCKEY HOLLOW – The continental army was a cross-section of America. Jockey Hollow was the encampment area for army men. Dogged by hunger and cold the soldiers spent most of their free time huddled around the fireplace. In these huts, 12 men often shared the same living quarters.

Jockey Hollow was so interesting. If we had planned better I would have packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed it in the area. There was lots of activity around the Jockey Hollow area – we saw people picnicking, riding bikes, hiking and walking.

The boys read a “warning sign” upon entering the area which offered tips on what to do if you encounter a bear and that offered lots of entertainment for me and my husband as we hiked about Jockey Hollow.

If you are planning a visit to the Morristown National Historical Park, here is what you need to know.

1. Pack water. There is nowhere at the actual park sites where you can purchase water.

2. Pack snacks. Hiking works up an appetite.

3. Be prepared to drive. Most of the locations are not within walking distance of one another so if you are planning on visiting a few like we did you will have to drive.

4. Wear comfortable shoes. The footing is uneven and you have to hike to some of the locations.

5. Use caution. Many of these locations are within wooded areas. Watch of bugs, ticks, poison ivy and bears!

This article was written by food blogger Linda Arceo and Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps

I received complimentary admission to Morristown National Historical Park through a travel campaign with New Creative Media. All opinions expressed are 100% my own and my family’s. Any additional expenses incurred were my own.